Gumbup (Sword Forms)
As in many other martial arts, the Haidong Gumdo curriculum includes a series of forms/sword techniques that are performed in a specific pattern. Students learn different sets of forms based on their belt rank, and each form contains techniques suitable for that belt rank. Color belts that are progressing toward a first dan black belt learn Sangssu Gumbup forms. Students ranked first dan and higher learn forms such as Yedo Gumbup and Bonguk Gumbup. For more information regarding the sword forms required by belt rank, please see the Haidong Gumdo Curriculum Chart below.

Gyuk Gum (Sparring Techniques)
Gyuk Gum techniques are the most effective, "tried and true" combinations of sword attacks and blocks. A student learns one or two new sparring combinations with each new belt rank, and slowly builds a repertoire of sword combat techniques.

Candle Extinguishing
Candle extinguishing in Haidong Gumdo is the practice of putting out candles with a mokgum (wooden sword) without the sword ever touching the flame. This is accomplished using regular household candles that are gathered together with tape and then mounted on a wooden base so that they stand upright. A student will place the candles on a wooden base and, once kneeling behind the candles, will swing the sword downward in a front cut until it is just above (but not touching) the flame.

Throw and Paper Cutting
Throw cutting includes techniques are designed to slice through objects such as oranges while they are in mid-air. Students often begin practicing throw cutting with a small paper ball, and then progress to play dough before attempting to cut an orange. For paper cutting, students use various techniques to cut through paper at different angles, with either a jingum or kagum.

Bamboo Cutting
Bamboo cutting is reserved for 3rd Dan students of Sky Haidong Gumdo (18 years and older) and above. First, a bamboo pole is placed in a metal bamboo holder. Then, with great concentration and focus, the student draws the sword. With a quick motion, the student uses a diagonal cut to cut through the bamboo at a 45 degree angle. Bamboo cutting is not about physical strength. Bamboo cutting is successful only if the diagonal cut is performed with speed and the proper technique. Master Instructors with great skill in bamboo cutting will often arrange several bamboo poles in a circle or line, and cut through them successively with elegant spins and lethal-looking, precise cuts. The most skilled instructors in Haidong Gumdo are able to cut through several bamboo poles mounted in a multi-pole holder at once.

SKY HAIDONG GUMDO CURRICULUM SCHEDULE

Geup (rank)	Belt Color	Curriculum	Candles	Traing Duration
8th Geup	White Belt	Basic Movement Ssang Soo Gumbup 1 Gyuk Gum 1	1	2-3 months
7th Geup	Yellow Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 2 & 3 Gyuk Gum 1	1	2-3 months
6th Geup	Green Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 4 & 5 Gyuk Gum 1 & 2	1	2-3 months
5th Geup	Blue Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 6 & 7 Gyuk Gum 1 & 2	2	2-3 months
4th Geup	Tae Guk Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 8 & 9 Gyuk Gum 1, 2 & 3	2	2-3 months
3rd Geup	Red Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 10 & 11 Gyuk Gum 1, 2 & 3	3	2-3 months
2nd Geup	Brown Belt	Ssang Soo Gumbup 12 Gyuk Gum 1, 2, 3 & 4	4	4-6 months
1st Geup	Cho Dan Bo Belt	Sim Sang Gumbup Gyuk Gum 1, 2, 3 & 4 1 vs 1 Sparring	5	6-9 months
1st Dan	Black Belt	Yedo Gumbup 1 vs 2 Sparring	10 Throwing Cutting	12-18 months
2st Dan	Black Belt	Bon Guk Gumbup 2 vs 2 Sparring	20 Throwing Cutting	18-24 months